[HANASHIR:16557] RE: Early Childhood Developmentally Appropriate Practice

[Kjmom18 <Kjmom18...>]

In terms of substituting words for the dinosaur song  - how about

       There's my family knocking at the door, knocking 1, 2, 3.

Family comes in all shapes and sizes - cousins, aunt's uncles and 
grandparents can come for shabbat.

One more "note" I would like to add something to this dicussion.  I do use 
the dinosaur song - as well as many, many traditional songs.  I back up my 
lessons when time is available with other "Shabbat: activities. I have made 
challah, chicken soup and matzah balls - all from scratch with my kindergarten 
class. 
 Not only do they "see" the rituals - but get to smell and taste them as 
well.  We use all these activities to create a "feel" and love for Shabbat.  We 
set beautiful tables with linen clothes. I use the candlesticks that were given 
to me when I was married.  I use the kiddish cup from my son's bar mitzvah and 
we make a "class" challah cover.  Fresh flowers also bring the "smell" of 
shabbat in.  

When there isn't as much time - we have a special day where the foods are 
brought in and the rituals of shabbat are observed.  Most students do not have 
any of this at home - and the kids really like warm and loving atmosphere that 
we create.  Of course music is as much of the celebration as everything else - 
but sometimes it puts the matter in context.

Sincerely,
Karen Joseph